[Vwdiesel] Glow Plug Relay Socket

[sandy cameron]

Hi Dave.

My 94 A3 uses a simple 4 terminal relay in the relay block, that's 
controlled by a brainless "glow plug controller box" located above the 
left knee.

The box takes in info from the temp sensor, ign switch, starter, driver 
door switch, etc. etc. etc.
And makes decisions on when to start glowing (when you open the driver 
side door) and how long to hold them on (after-start glowing for MINUTES 
to reduce warm-up emissions)

I disconnected it years ago, and replaced it with a small red button to 
the left of the steering wheel that lets me do the thinking.

Have saved handsfulls of glow plugs, avoided dead batteries, and ALWAYS 
get good starts.

Right after I bought the car, it seemed to use up a set of plugs every 
winter. Since I took over the thinking, the current set of plugs have 
been lasting nearly 10 years.

This is the same car that has failed most electrical systems, window 
winders, 4 door locks, ign switch. Had to resolder connections on back 
of radio a couple of times, none of the rear door systems work any more. 
Windows permanently closed. Had to hard-wire the driver side door cable 
assembly to bypass the plug/socket.
Insulation on wires all cracked, then copper core flexing broke the 
wires. (Like Swissair 111 disaster)

Other electrical systems out of service, and only essential ones 
replaced with my choice of wire and devices.
The A/C still works! Had it completely replaced about 12 years ago. 
300,000km, engine is perfect, never opened (time for another timing belt)

Never had a pulley bolt problem. remove the belt pulley from the 
sprocket (do not disturb) to change belts.

Installed free-wheel alternator pulley at 100,000. Still running 
original alternator. (always have the spare in the trunk!)

If you get one of the 4 pin relays from an A3, (Can't be THAT expensive 
to BUY?) and a small button switch, and wire up your own system, and 
make your own glow time decisions, you will have no more glow problems.

Sandy